After a brief respite, general manager Mike Tannenbaum got back to action yesterday by working a deal for free-agent fullback Tony Richardson, who is 36 years old.

Richardson, a 13-year veteran, spent his first 11 NFL seasons with the Chiefs and the past two with the Vikings. At one time in his long career, he was a productive pass-catcher out of the backfield, hauling in a career-high 58 passes in 2000. He has slowed down, catching a total of 24 passes the past two years for the Vikings. He has always been a renowned blocking fullback, leading the way in recent years for Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson and Adrian Peterson.

The three-time Pro Bowler (2003, 2004 and 2007) agreed to a one-year contract.

“Tony will serve as a tremendous asset in both the running and passing game as well as on special teams,” coach Eric Mangini said. “With nearly 200 games of NFL experience, he is a consummate professional who will serve as a great resource for our younger players.”

The Jets have now added five players since the start of free agency, signing left guard Alan Faneca, linebacker Calvin Pace, right tackle Damien Woody and Richardson as free agents and trading for defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. The Jets also traded linebacker Jonathan Vilma to the Saints.

One player the Jets did not sign is Brendon Ayanbadejo, the Bears’ special-teams ace. The Jets brought him in for a visit and made an offer, but Ayanbadejo signed a four-year, $4.9 million deal with the Ravens.

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Buccaneers CB Brian Kelly visited yesterday with the Giants but left without a contract. Kelly, 32, bought out his final year in Tampa and has had injury problems the past two seasons, limiting him to 19 games.